Religious tourism in Lasithi, Crete
Guided by a rich religious tradition, in the monasteries and churches of Lassithi, in places
where the sky joins the earth and the sea, the mind finds peace and serenity. Gournia, on a
cliff overlooking the sea, is one of the largest pilgrimages of Crete and is home to the
Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni. The church of the monastery is built inside a cave, and
the water springing from the rocks is considered holy water. Many are the believers who
flock to the monastery on the 15th of August, to worship the Dormition of the Virgin Mary,
the church’s feast day. A secret school is located within the monastery and used to operate
during the Turkish occupation, teaching the Greek language and religious doctrine.
Inside the canyon of Agioi Pantes, next to the caves where hermits once lived, is yet another
monastery dedicated to Panagia Faneromeni. The icon of the Virgin Mary was found in a
cave named “Askitis” (which means hermit in Greek) next to the church. Many visitors flock
to the monastery during its feast day on August 15th.
The church of Agios Nikolaos is a typical example of Byzantine architecture, with rare
murals, that was built in the Iconoclastic period and which gave its name to the
homonymous city. The most famous Byzantine monument in Crete, however, is the threeaisled church of Panagia Keras with frescoes dating from the 14th century and icons which
are considered miraculous.
A good day to visit the church of Panagia Vigliotissa, with its 14th century frescoes and its
famous statue of the “Mana” (mother in Greek), is the second Sunday of May where for
more than 25 years now the local Cultural Association organizes a Mother’s Day celebration.
One of the most well-known monasteries of Crete is the Toplou Monastery of Panagia
Akrotiriani dedicated to the Virgin Mary and featuring icons and wall paintings from the 15th
century CE. The Museum of Etching and Greek Folk Engravings, created by monks of Mount
Athos between the 18th and 19th centuries, is also housed within the grounds of the
monastery. The surrounding lands are tended by the monks who produce organic products
of excellent quality such as wine, olive oil and raki. For more information please visit:
http://biopolitics.gr/biowp/biotourism-promotion-leader-area-lasithi/